Surgical instrument configured for use with interchangeable hand grips

ABSTRACT

A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom that defines a longitudinal axis therethrough, and supports an end effector having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly that includes a movable handle and a fixed handle. The fixed handle is adapted to couple to one or more selectively removable grips and the movable handle is configured to impart movement of one or more movable jaw members operably associated with the end effector.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/859,896, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,298,233, filed on Aug. 20,2010, the entire contents of each of which is hereby incorporated byreference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments and, moreparticularly, to surgical instruments configured for use withinterchangeable hand grips.

2. Description of Related Art

Surgical instruments, e.g., electrosurgical forceps (closed type), arewell known in the medical arts and typically include a housing, a handleassembly, a shaft and an end effector assembly attached to a distal endof the shaft. In certain instances, the handle assembly may include oneor more fixedly attached hand grips that provide a gripping surface foran operator, e.g., a clinician, such that the operator may securely andcomfortably grasp the surgical instrument. To this end, the handleassembly including the hand grips are appropriately sized, shaped andequipped to improve the operator's hold on the surgical instrument.

In certain instances, the surgical instrument may include one or morefunctional features, e.g., a rotating assembly, which may be configuredto facilitate operation thereof. The one or more features are,typically, actuatable from the handle and/or hand grip assemblies. Forexample, to facilitate operation of a rotating assembly that may be usedto rotate a shaft of the surgical instrument, the rotating assembly ispositioned on a housing of the surgical instrument and within a“finger's reach” of the handle and/or hand grip assemblies.

To accommodate various hand sizes, in addition to left or right handuse, manufactures typically produce the same surgical instrument withmultiple molded or overmolded handle and/or hand grip assemblies. As canbe appreciated, this may not be cost effective. Moreover, repositioningof the one or more functional features on the surgical instrument may berequired to accommodate the multiple configurations of handle and/orhand grip assemblies.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a surgical instrument. The surgicalinstrument includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom thatdefines a longitudinal axis therethrough, and supports an end effectorhaving opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The surgicalinstrument includes a handle assembly that includes a movable handle anda fixed handle. The fixed handle is adapted to couple to one or moreselectively removable grips and the movable handle is configured toimpart movement of one or more movable jaw members operably associatedwith the end effector.

The present disclosure also provides an electrosurgical system forperforming an electrosurgical procedure. The electrosurgical systemincludes an electrosurgical generator that includes a control system. Anelectrosurgical instrument is adapted to couple to the electrosurgicalgenerator and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefromthat defines a longitudinal axis therethrough, and supports an endeffector having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. Thesurgical instrument includes a handle assembly that includes a movablehandle and a fixed handle. The fixed handle is adapted to couple to oneor more selectively removable grips and the movable handle is configuredto impart movement of one or more movable jaw members operablyassociated with the end effector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinbelowwith references to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side, perspective view of a surgical instrument thatincludes a handle assembly including a selectively removable hand gripaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, rear perspective view of a housing associatedwith the surgical instrument depicted in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is an internal, side view of the housing showing theinner-working components associated therewith.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein;however, the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of thedisclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specificstructural and functional details disclosed herein are not to beinterpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as arepresentative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailedstructure.

With reference to FIG. 1, an illustrative embodiment of a surgicalinstrument 10, e.g., a forceps 10, that includes one or more selectivelyremovable grips 52 is shown. Forceps 10 is adapted to operatively andselectively couple to an electrosurgical generator 200 for performing anelectrosurgical procedure. For purposes herein, an electrosurgicalprocedure may include sealing, cutting, cauterizing coagulating,desiccating, and fulgurating tissue all of which may employ RF energy.Generator 200 may be configured for monopolar and/or bipolar modes ofoperation. Generator 200 includes (or is in operative communicationwith) a system 300 that may include one or more processors in operativecommunication with one or more control modules that are executable onthe processor. The control module (not explicitly shown) may beconfigured to instruct one or more modules to transmit electrosurgicalenergy, which may be in the form of a wave or signal/pulse, via one ormore cables (e.g., a cable 310) to one or both seal plates 118, 128associated with the forceps 10.

Briefly, forceps 10 is shown configured for use with variouselectrosurgical procedures and generally includes a housing 20, anelectrosurgical cable 310 that connects the forceps 10 to the generator200, a rotating assembly 80, a trigger assembly 70, and handle assembly30 in operative communication with a drive assembly 130 (FIG. 3) forimparting movement of one or both of a pair of jaw members 110, 120 ofan end effector assembly 100 operably associated with the forceps 10.

Forceps 10 includes a shaft 12 that has a distal end 16 configured tomechanically engage the end effector assembly 100 and a proximal end 14that mechanically engages the housing 20. In the drawings and in thedescriptions that follow, the term “proximal,” as is traditional, willrefer to the end of the forceps 10 that is closer to the user, while theterm “distal” will refer to the end that is farther from the user.

For a more detailed description of the forceps 10 including rotatingassembly 80, trigger assembly 70, end effector 100 including jaw members110 and 120 (and operative components associated therewith), andelectrosurgical cable 310 (including line-feed configurations and/orconnections), reference is made to commonly owned U.S. Pat. No.7,150,749 to Dycus et al., filed on Sep. 29, 2009.

Referring now to FIG. 2, handle assembly 30 includes a fixed handle 50and a movable handle 40. Movable handle 40 is movable relative to fixedhandle 50 and is ultimately connected to the drive assembly 130 (as bestseen in FIG. 3), which together mechanically cooperate to impartmovement of one or both of the jaw members 110 and 120 to move from anopen position, wherein the jaw members 110 and 120 are disposed inspaced relation relative to one another, to a clamping or closedposition, wherein the jaw members 110 and 120 cooperate to grasp tissuetherebetween. Fixed handle 50 is integrally associated with housing 20.Fixed handle 50 is designed with a common internal frame assembly 51(FIG. 3) that may include one or more subsystems and/or mechanisms,e.g., gear system, pulley system, linkage system, ratchet mechanism,actuators, relays, solenoids, etc., that are configured to mechanicallyand/or electrically communicate with one or more functional featuresassociated with one or more selectively removable operator hand grips 52(grip 52), described in greater detail below. Frame 51 is configured toaccommodate variously-sized, shaped configurations of grip 52, i.e.,multi-grip components. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 51 ofthe fixed handle 50 is configured smaller than an intended size of grip52.

Grip 52 may be made (or overmolded) from any suitable material includingbut not limited to plastic, metal, metal alloy, rubber, polymer, etc. Inthe illustrated embodiment, grip 52 is made from a substantially rigidplastic. Grip 52 includes a grip housing 53 having one or more gripsidewalls or faces, e.g., a finger face 52 a, as best seen in FIG. 1;palm face 52 b (FIGS. 1 and 2); thumb face 52 c (FIG. 2); and abackstrap 52 d (FIG. 2). For illustrative purposes, grip 52 is shownincluding a grip housing having finger face 52 a, palm face 52 b, thumbface 52 c and backstrap 52 d. Grip 52 and/or grip housing 53 may includeone or more bores or cavities 60 that are configured to accommodateand/or support one or more functional and/or ergonomic features, e.g.,actuators, computer readable medium, weighted loads etc., associatedtherewith. For purposes herein, and unless otherwise specified,operative components associated with the grip 52 are assumed to bedisposed in or secured to the one or more cavities 60. Grip 52 mayinclude one or more ergonomically user-friendly features. For example,in certain instances, it may prove useful for one or more of the gripfaces, e.g., palm face 52 b, of the grip 52 to include a textured orribbed surface to facilitate gripping thereof.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, grip 52 operably couples to fixedhandle 50 and/or the internal frame 51 via one or more suitable couplingmethods, e.g., press fit, friction fit, snap-fit, an intent-detentconfiguration, light-weight or low tack adhesive, etc. In theillustrated embodiment, grip housing 53 including grip faces 52 a-52 doperably couples to the fixed handle 50 via a snap-fit configuration(illustrated as “SF”). The snap-fit configuration facilitates changingthe grip 52, as needed by an end operator of the forceps 10, with littleor no effort. Grip 52 may include any suitable shape, size, profile,material, or other physical property so as to create an extension of theframe 51 of the fixed handle 50. Grip 52 may be configured for dedicatedright hand, dedicated left hand, or universal (i.e., both right and lefthand) use for ergonomic comfort.

Referring to FIG. 3, grip 52 is configured to communicate with generator200 and/or system 300 via one or more suitable data transfer interfaces,e.g., via a USB connection, for data logging or downloading. In thisinstance, for example, a USB port 54 may be operably disposed on thegrip housing 53 for coupling to a corresponding USB port (not shown)operably disposed on the generator 200 (FIGS. 1 and 3). One or moresuitable USB cables may be utilized to couple the USB port 54 to the USBport on the generator 200.

The USB port 54 communicates with one or more modules 56, e.g., a datachip 56 (or other suitable computer readable or storable medium)operably disposed on or associated with the grip 52 (FIG. 1). Forillustrative purposes, the grip 52 is shown with one data chip 56disposed thereon. Information stored on the data chip 56 may include,but is not limited to, specific user settings, data logging of attachedsurgical instruments, security codes that allow only certain functionsor surgical procedures to be performed using a specific grip 52 orlimiting usage of a certain grip 52 by count, etc.

Referring back to FIG. 2, grip 52 may include one or more electricaland/or mechanical interfaces that are configured to interact with one ormore corresponding electrical and/or mechanical interfaces associatedwith the forceps 10. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, anactuator 58 includes a plurality of actuators 58 a-58 c that is inelectromechanical communication with one or more functional componentsof the forceps 10. More particularly, actuator 58 a may be in operativecommunication with the end effector 100 for locking one or both of thejaw members 110 and 120 in one of the open and closed positions.Actuator 58 b may be in operative communication with the rotatingassembly 80 for imparting (or in some instances preventing) rotationalmovement thereof. Actuator 58 c may be in operative communication withthe trigger assembly 70 and may function as a “lock-out” feature, e.g.,as a safety switch, that prevents inadvertent actuation thereof.

In the illustrated embodiment, grip 52 includes a plurality of dedicatedfunctionality actuators 62 that are configured to control operation ofone or more functional components that may be associated with theforceps 10. For example, in the instance where the forceps 10 includes alighting feature, the grip 52 includes a corresponding actuator “L.” Inthe instance where the forceps includes an evacuation and/or suctionfeature, the grip includes a corresponding actuator “E.” In the instancewhere the forceps includes a vision and/or camera feature, the gripincludes a corresponding actuator “C/V.” As can be appreciated, theforegoing functional features are for illustrative purposes only and arenot intended to be limiting.

Grip housing 53 is configured to receive and or support one or moreweighted components or loads. More particularly, one or more of thecavities 60 are operably disposed on the grip housing 53 and areconfigured to receive and support one or more selectively removableweighted components (not explicitly shown). The weighted components maybe secured to the cavity 60 as needed to improve operator comfort.

In use, the frame 51 of the fixed handle 50 is, initially, without thegrip 52 (FIG. 2). Based on an operator's preference, e.g., right or lefthanded use, an operator attaches the appropriate grip 52 to the frame 51(FIGS. 1 and 3). In certain instances, the operator may secure one ormore weighted components to the cavity 60 to balance the forceps 10;this is intended to provide additional comfort for the operator. Priorto the surgical procedure, the operator connects the grip 52, via theUSB cable, to the generator 200 to communicate therewith for downloadingand/or data logging of the specific information contained on the datachip 56 of the grip 52, e.g., surgical procedure to be performed. System300 of the generator 200 reads relevant information from the data chip54 and subsequently programs the generator 200 as required. In certaininstances, prior to carrying out the surgical procedure, the operatormay disconnect the USB cable from the port 54. Thereafter, the operatorutilizes the forceps 10 for the specific surgical procedure.Subsequently, the operator may reestablish communication between thegrips 52 and generator 200 for downloading and/or data logging of thespecific information contained on the data chip 56 of the grip 52, e.g.,usage count of the grips 52 and/or forceps 10, time of use of theforceps 10, etc.

From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure drawings,those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications canalso be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scopeof the same. For example, in embodiments, grip 52 may include robotic orautomation attachment features for non-human operation of the forceps10.

In some embodiments, grip 52 may be configured for custom fits forparticular surgeons based on molds, hand sizing, etc. Grip 52 may becustom fit to include specific locations of actuators or actuationelements, e.g., triggers, intensity dials, toggles, etc.

In some embodiments, grip 52 (or operative component(s) associatedtherewith, e.g., data chip 56) may be configured to store informationrelevant to a particular surgeon. In this instance, the generator 200may be configured read the data from the grip 52, i.e., recognizesurgeon, and set preferred or particular settings for that surgeon. Incertain instances, the generator 200 may recommend specific settingsbased on a particular surgeon. The generator 200 may be configured toactively acknowledge surgeon. In this instance, the generator 200 mayprompt a surgeon to enter a password. Generator 200 and/or grip 52 maybe configured to store surgeon information for manufacturer, e.g.,usages, preferred settings, surgical techniques, e.g., activation,rotation, gripping techniques, and sequencing.

In some embodiments, grip 52 may be configured to automaticallydeactivate activation switches, which may be operably associated withthe forceps 10, after an initial use thereof.

In some embodiments, grip 52 may include pressure sensors 63 that relayusage information back to generator 200 for future manufacture use andresearch and development.

While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in thedrawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, asit is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art willallow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the abovedescription should not be construed as limiting, but merely asexemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the artwill envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of theclaims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical instrument, comprising: a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom that defines a longitudinal axis therethrough, and supports an end effector having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof; a handle assembly including a movable handle configured to impart movement of at least one of the jaw members operably associated with the end effector and a fixed handle including an internal frame assembly adapted to couple to at least one selectively removable hand grip, wherein the at least one selectively removable hand grip includes at least one data chip in communication with a USB port disposed on the hand grip, wherein the at least one selectively removable hand grip further includes at least one cavity defined therein configured to removably receive a load that is weighted to balance one of the at least one selectively removable hand grip and surgical instrument.
 2. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the at least one selectively removable hand grip is configured to operably couple to a source of electrosurgical energy that supplies electrosurgical energy to the electrosurgical instrument.
 3. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the at least one data chip includes information pertaining to at least one of a specific user's settings; data logging of one of the at least one selectively removable hand grip and electrosurgical instrument; security codes allowing one of certain functions and surgical procedures to be performed when the at least one selectively removable hand grip is coupled to the electrosurgical instrument; and a usage limiter count.
 4. An electrosurgical system for performing an electrosurgical procedure, comprising: an electrosurgical generator including a control system; an electrosurgical instrument adapted to couple to the electrosurgical generator, the electrosurgical instrument including: a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom that defines a longitudinal axis therethrough, and supports an end effector having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof; a handle assembly including a movable handle configured to impart movement of at least one of the jaw members operably associated with the end effector and a fixed handle including an internal frame assembly adapted to couple to at least one selectively removable hand grip, wherein the at least one selectively removable hand grip includes at least one data chip in communication with a USB port disposed on the hand grip, wherein the at least one selectively removable hand grip further includes at least one cavity defined therein configured to removably receive a load that is weighted to balance one of the at least one selectively removable hand grip and surgical instrument.
 5. The electrosurgical system according to claim 4, wherein the at least one data chip includes information pertaining to at least one of: a specific user's settings; data logging of one of the at least one selectively removable hand grip and electrosurgical instrument; security codes allowing one of certain functions and surgical procedures to be performed when the at least one selectively removable hand grip is coupled to the electrosurgical instrument; and a usage limiter count.
 6. The method of performing a surgical procedure, the method comprising: providing a surgical instrument including: a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom that defines a longitudinal axis therethrough, and supports an end effector having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof; a handle assembly including a movable handle configured to impart movement of at least one of the jaw members operably associated with the end effector and a fixed handle including an internal frame assembly adapted to couple to at least one selectively removable hand grip, wherein the at least one selectively removable hand grip includes at least one data chip operatively associated therewith; selecting an appropriate grip for attaching to the handle assembly based on the operator's preference; securing one or more weighted components to the cavity to balance the selected hand grip; connecting the selected grip to a generator to communicate therewith; downloading specific information contained on the data chip of the grip to the generator thereby programming the generator; and utilizing the surgical instrument for the specific surgical procedure.
 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the at least one selectively removable hand grip further includes at least one cavity defined therein. 